McConnell Mum on Recent Resignation of Campaign Manager Benton

Senator Mitch McConnell is declining to talk about the recent resignation of his campaign manager. At a stop Tuesday in Somerset, the Republican incumbent didn’t address issues surrounding Jesse Benton, who stepped down from the McConnell campaign last Friday.

Benton’s resignation came after a former Iowa state Senator pleaded guilty to charges related to a bribery scandal that took place while Benton was political director of then-Congressman Ron Paul’s 2012 presidential campaign. The state Senator pleaded guilty to accepting money from the Paul camp in exchange for an endorsement of Congressman Paul for president.

Benton faces no charges related to the case and has said he did nothing illegal.

The Herald Leader reports that Sen. McConnell refused to discuss Benton following a speech to the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. The paper quoted McConnell as saying his campaign was “moving on” and “talking about the future and not the past.”

McConnell is seeking a sixth term in the Senate, and is being challenged by Democratic Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.